MASSIVE cracks and a string of deep potholes have appeared on the A78 trunk road between Largs and Skelmorlie.

The area affected is on A78 southbound stretch approaching Largs on the section of road below Knock Castle near Auchengarth.

Councillor Ian Murdoch has raised the matter with road maintenance body Amey.

The News understands motorists have also complained after to the organisation after a number saw their wheels and tyres damaged.

Councillor Murdoch says he has also visited the area after being flooded with complaints.

He told the News: "I went along to inspect the road myself as soon as I was made aware of the issue and there was driver in a lay-by getting a tyre fixed by a mobile repair firm after their wheel had come right off

"Not only it is bursting tyres, but in addition it is a danger to motorists, especially when we are suffering icy road and period of heavy rain that already make driving conditions challenging.

"I have asked for urgent action to be taken in order to remedy the situation as soon as possible."

The cracks emerged after heavy rain and surface water caused flooding overnight between Saturday and Sunday which resulted in a number of roads in the area becoming impassable.

The route between West Kilbride and Ardrossan was submerged with motorists having to turn back, while road users faced similar predicaments at Hunterston, Fairlie and Skelmorlie.

We recently reported how the surface on Haylie Brae had began to crack and bump despite undergoing a £110,000 resurfacing programme just before Christmas.

Councillor Murdoch says he has also been made aware of similar problems in Brisbane Road, Laverock Drive and at the entrance to Church Street.

He added: "I will be raising all of these with the relevant departments."